The Greedy Merchant and the Ascetic’s Wisdom

Once, in a past life, the Bodhisatta was a wealthy merchant known for his generosity. Despite his riches, he grew disillusioned with the world, understanding the deep misery that stems from desire. In time, he renounced his wealth, gave away everything he owned, including his beloved wife and young son, and retreated to the Himalayas to live as an ascetic, seeking a simple life of spiritual enlightenment. Before leaving, he urged his brother, who was still a man of greed, to continue his charitable ways. Yet, the brother, driven by greed, tore down the alms hall and lived a life of selfishness, ultimately killing the Bodhisatta’s son in order to avoid sharing the wealth.

The Tragic Death of the Bodhisatta’s Son

The brother, after drowning the boy in the river, claimed that the child had simply disappeared while playing near the water. Everyone in the town believed his deceitful story. Meanwhile, the Bodhisatta, using his spiritual insight, was able to discern the truth. He flew back to the town, disguised as a visitor, and approached his brother. The brother, continuing his lie, spoke of the child’s disappearance, but the Bodhisatta, unable to hold back, rebuked him for his cruelty and selfishness.

The Lesson of the Mayhaka Bird

In his rebuke, the Bodhisatta compared his brother to the mayhaka bird, a creature known for its greedy nature. This bird sits in fig trees, crying “Mine, mine!” as other birds eat the fruit. The Bodhisatta used this imagery to teach his brother a lesson on the dangers of greed, explaining how the sorrow of desire leads only to suffering, while generosity brings both earthly and spiritual rewards. The brother, deeply ashamed of his actions, recognized the wisdom in the Bodhisatta’s words and began to change his ways, returning to the path of charity.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha

In another lifetime, the Bodhisatta’s brother was reincarnated as a miserly merchant, notorious for his stinginess. He lived in abject poverty, eating only rice-dust broth and sour gruel, dressed in ragged clothes, and rode in a broken-down chariot. Despite possessing great wealth, he could not enjoy it, as his greed and selfishness consumed him. Eventually, after his death, the merchant’s wealth was seized by the king’s men, taking seven days to transport it to the palace.

The king, puzzled by the wealth of such a miser, went to the Buddha to seek understanding. The Buddha explained that the merchant’s wealth came from a past life when he had made a generous gift to a private Buddha—a being who attains enlightenment but does not teach others. However, in that life, the merchant regretted his act of charity because he did not receive immediate reward. This regret lingered, and as a result, he could not enjoy the wealth he had amassed in his next life.

The king, still curious, asked why the merchant had no heirs. The Buddha then revealed the merchant’s past misdeeds: in a previous life, the merchant had drowned his brother’s son, a terrible act that resulted in his lack of children in his present life.

Lessons from the Story

1. The Dangers of Greed: The brother’s greed, leading him to kill his nephew, serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of selfishness and how it harms both oneself and others.
2. The Power of Generosity: The contrast between the Bodhisatta’s generosity and his brother’s greed highlights the rewards that come from selfless giving. The Bodhisatta’s peaceful life and eventual enlightenment were the result of his compassionate actions, while his brother’s greed led to his downfall.
3. Karma and Its Consequences: The story teaches that our actions, whether good or bad, have lasting consequences. The merchant’s regret over his past act of generosity and the tragic consequences of his past actions are clear examples of the effects of karma.
4. The Importance of Self-Reflection: The Bodhisatta’s wisdom in recognizing the truth of his brother’s actions demonstrates the importance of self-reflection and spiritual insight. It’s only through deep awareness that one can truly understand the nature of their actions and their consequences.

In Conclusion

The Mayhaka Jataka teaches us profound lessons about greed, generosity, and the long-term consequences of our actions. While greed may bring temporary satisfaction, it ultimately leads to misery and sorrow. On the other hand, generosity creates lasting peace and rewards, both in this life and beyond. The story also illustrates the power of karma, showing how our actions—good or bad—come back to us in future lives. Through the Bodhisatta’s teachings, we are reminded to live with compassion and generosity, for it is in giving that we truly receive.